The majority of 15–39-year-olds in Hungary rarely eat fast food or dine in traditional restaurants, preferring meals they prepare themselves.
According to a recent study by the Youth Research Institute, an overwhelming majority of Hungarian youth (79%) rarely or never eat fast food. The highest rates of fast-food consumption are found among 15–17-year-olds (26%) and residents of Budapest (31%). Meanwhile, 78% of respondents prepare food for themselves or their family at least once a week. The most active home cooks are those aged 25–29 (88%), but even among the youngest age group (15–17), nearly half (47%) regularly cook or prepare food at home. It is worth noting, however, that only 8% of this youngest group cook daily, compared to much higher rates in other age groups, ranging between 38% and 40%.
The survey also found that 90% of young people rarely or never visit traditional restaurants. Women (5%) dine out even less frequently than men (12%). Similar to fast food consumption, ordering takeout food is also not overly popular: two-thirds of young people (67%) rarely order takeout, and 15% never do. Regularly ordering delivery on a weekly basis is more common in urban areas: 20% in the capital city, and another 26% in county towns. Meanwhile in smaller towns and villages, only 9% order food regularly, likely due in part to limited-service availability.
The study also examined young people’s opinions on fast food culture. On one end of the spectrum lies the majority (63%) of respondents who do not consider fast food trendy, with only 10% at the other end, finding fast food trendy. There are notable age differences: 15–17-year-olds are twice as likely (22%) as the overall average to view fast food as trendy.
Overall, the results suggest that home cooking continues to play a significant role in the lives of Hungarian youth, while restaurant and fast-food dining, as well as food delivery, are present only in moderation — and fast food in particular, is not considered popular by the majority.
This study by the Youth Research Institute was conducted in January 2025. Data collection was carried out via online, self-administered questionnaires (CAWI methodology), and responses were gathered from a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Hungarian youth aged 15–39.
